Taoist Philosophy - Chapter 81

[Marblehead]

The Sage Regards Things As Difficult

 

Regard the small as large and the few as many,
And repay resentment with kindness.
Plan for the difficult while it is easy;
Act on the large while it is minute.
The most difficult things in the world
Begin as things that are easy;
The largest things in the world
Arise from the minute.
Therefore the Sage, to the end,
Does not strive to do the great
And as a result he is able to accomplish the great.

Those who too lightly agree
Will necessarily be trusted by few.
He who lightly makes a promise
Will find it often hard to keep his pledge.
Those who regard many things as easy
Will necessarily end up with many difficulties.
Therefore, the Sage regards things as difficult,
And as a result he has no difficulty.

Whether it is big or small, many or few,
Requite hatred with Virtue.
Deal with the difficult while yet it is easy;
Deal with the big while yet it is small.
The difficult problems of the world
Must be dealt with while they are yet easy;
The great problems of the world
Must be dealt with while they are yet small.
Therefore, by never dealing with great problems,
The Sage accomplishes greatness.


Requite Evil With Virtue

To be insulted and not feel angry is the mark of one who has identified himself with the natural scheme of things.

Edited March 6, 2013 by Marblehead

[Apech]

 

 

Requite Evil With Virtue

 

To be insulted and not feel angry is the mark of one who has identified himself with the natural scheme of things.

 

Very wise.

 

I wish I was better at this - I have had quite a bit of practice (!).

[Marblehead]

 

Requite Evil With Virtue

 

I wish I was better at this ...

 

Oh!, so do I. So do I!